Effect of inclusion deformation on the magnetoelectric effect of particulate magnetostrictive/piezoelectric composites

We have investigated the magnetoelectric (ME) properties of particulate composites with magnetostrictive inclusions dispersed in a piezoelectric matrix. A simple model is proposed which includes a rarely discussed contribution from the shape deformation of the inclusion particles due to the magnetostrictive stresses generated under the action of an external magnetic field. The relative significance of this contribution is mainly determined by the ratio of the transverse and longitudinal magnetostrictive responses of the inclusion as well as the flexibility of the piezoelectric matrix phase. This model gives further insight on material selections for designing particulate ME composites.